Tooth sensitivity is caused when the inner nerves of a tooth are exposed to changes in temperature (most often cold). 60% of Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity as a result of diet, aggressive brushing, or cracked/broken teeth. In the case of whitening, the active ingredient in whitening gel opens up the pores to lift stains. In the process, the teeth become slightly dehydrated. This dehydration temporarily reduces insulation and allow the nerve to be more susceptible to changes in temperature.

Don’t Worry, tooth sensitivity due to whitening is temporary! Your teeth naturally rehydrate and remineralize. Sensitivity does not last more than 36 hours generally. We highly recommend using desensitizing gel after each whitening session. It relieves pain and helps protect/nourish the teeth as they rehydrate.

How to whiten sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth remedies

Dentists and hygienists recommend a post-whitening application for everyone using any type of teeth whitening product, regardless of their preexisting sensitivity for the following reasons:

• 60% of Americans suffer from natural tooth sensitivity in everyday life. Whitening your teeth will further that sensitivity temporarily.
• If you are whitening for extended periods of time (beyond 45 minutes) deep stain removal will likely cause some sort of temporary sensitivity regardless.
• Desensitizing gel is fluoride infused to block pores and nourish the tooth thus promoting natural rehydration and remineralization.
• By blocking pores in the tooth, desensitizing gel dramatically reduces restaining as you eat/drink.

Learn more about how to whiten sensitive teeth

Learn more about what causes of tooth sensitivity

See additional remedies for reducing tooth sensitivity

We recommend starting with applications of 45 minutes – 1 hour and then working your way up to applications of 3 hours as your teeth are comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth, you will want to stick with shorter sessions and may need to skip a day. It is highly recommended by dentists and hygienists that customers should use desensitizing gel for 20 minutes after each teeth whitening session.

Note: Every time you whiten, you are removing years of stains so be patient! If you have to do shorter sessions (but more of them), its ok. Once you have the results you’re looking for, it takes very little to maintain those results for life!

It is best to whiten before bed because this eliminates the opportunity for faster staining and allows your teeth to naturally rehydrate and remineralize while you sleep.

The best whitening procedure as recommended by our on-staff dental hygienists:

• Brush your teeth without toothpaste: The fluoride in toothpaste will slow the whitening process.
• Whiten: Whiten your teeth for 45 minutes to 3 hours (depending on sensitivity and dentist recommendation).
• Brush teeth normally: Brush your teeth with toothpaste as normal.
• Use the desensitizing gel: Use your freshly cleaned and dried whitening tray to apply desensitizing gel for 15-20 minutes. Remove the trays and discard excess desensitizing gel. Do not rinse! This will leave a thin layer of desensitizing gel on the teeth.
• Sleep! Do not eat or drink before bed. Sleep and let your teeth rehydrate and remineralize.

Yes! Our professional-grade whitening and desensitizing gel syringes can be purchased separately in packs of 3, 6, or 9 syringes. Purchasing teeth whitening or desensitizing gel syringes do not include custom-fitted whitening trays.

Purchase teeth whitening gel

Purchase desensitizing gel

Each 3ml syringe delivers 3-4 applications (both top and bottom teeth).

Each of our 3ml syringes of teeth whitening gel and desensitizing gel are individually sealed for freshness. Both gel will remain effective for 1 year (if stored at room temperature) and 2 years (if refrigerated).